Google-owned YouTube dominates the
online video market. With YouTube now promising to pay content creators how can
smaller video sites like Revver, Veoh, Metacafe and LiveVideo compete? Here are
7 ways smaller video sites can make inroads on YouTube.
1. Reach out to popular unsigned content
creators and invite them to upload. Nothing new here. It's about acquiring
great content. An unsigned group would be flattered to be noticed.
2. Now here's the key: Pay these creators
to make their content exclusive to your site. The result here is two fold: you
have has unique content users can't find anywhere else and the groups become evangelists
for your service. Even if you couldn’t pay with video ads, you could create a
payment structure based on views.
3. Offer a bulk upload tool: If the
talent has a back catalog of videos uploading one by one takes forever.
4. Simplify the process for users to
sign up and join the service so they can subscribe and leave comments.
5. Offer unique features YouTube
lacks such as better tracking, allowing creators to pick the screen capture of
their video and daily emails of views and comments on videos.
6. Feature the content creators: I’m
not just talking about their videos but also customized homepages on the
service, interviews and photos too.
7. Sign content deals with popular video
and pop culture blogs such as VideoSift or Fark to feature your content. These
sites drive a lot of traffic and can help boost adoption of your service.
